Ada stood frowning at the table. This was not at all her idea of preparing for the sea-side, and she did not like it at all.
"But, Nellie, there is lots to do, and I'm sure the children would not hurt for once."
"No; we would be so good," entreated the little girls, "and help you so much, Nellie!"
"Yes; give them a holiday, Nellie, and let us get on with all sorts of things," said Ada decidedly.
"I must not, Ada," answered Nellie, looking distressed; "mamma said what it was to be, and it must be so."
"Well, I declare," said Ada, "it is too bad; you might if you liked, Nellie, you know."
Nellie did not make any answer, but took her now pouting little sisters by the hand, and went upstairs with them. They met the nurse on the landing with the baby in her arms.
"We are all ready for a walk, Miss Nellie," she said.
"They will soon be ready, too," answered Nellie; "you go down, Mary, with the others, and I will put on their things to-day."
Meanwhile Ada and Arthur had been left to themselves in the dining room. Ada was twisting the tassel of her apron round and round spitefully; and Arthur was leaning against the window with his hands in his pockets.